The Book of Habakkuk is a unique prophetic text in the Old Testament that presents a dialogue between the prophet Habakkuk and God. Unlike other prophetic books that primarily deliver messages from God to the people, Habakkuk's writing reveals his struggles with understanding God's justice in the face of evil and suffering. This book invites readers to explore deep theological questions about faith, justice, and the nature of God.
Habakkuk, whose name means 'embrace,' is believed to have lived during the late 7th century BC, a time of great turmoil in Judah. The Babylonian Empire was rising, and the moral decay of the people of Judah was evident. Habakkuk's prophecies reflect his concern for the nation and his desire for God to intervene in the face of injustice and oppression.